British Museum - Great Court

In a visionary move to accommodate growing visitor numbers, the British Museum undertook an extensive renovation of the inner courtyard, a magnificent space covered by a distinctive roof comprising 3,312 individually cut panes of glass. Providing a new education centre, additional galleries, enhanced visitor services and vastly improved access around the Grade 1 listed building, the project brief required a flexible but sensitive approach. Mace's construction management offer was deemed to meet the client's expectations and the complexities of the project. Today, the largest covered square in Europe is enjoyed by millions of visitors per year.

Excellent communications were maintained with the public and all stakeholders, while efforts were made to minimise the impact on staff and visitors. Where possible Mace planned and coordinated works to suit the Museum’s operating requirements while also meeting agreed deadlines. Operating as an extension of the client's organisation, Mace also managed the unique retail fit out of the Great Court, the adjacent Grenville Library and an acquired shop in nearby Bloomsbury Street, developing the brief and an overall procurement strategy, managing costs, selecting designers and managing an extensive team to deliver the entire scheme on programme. Mace remains proud of its work on this most respected and loved of London’s museums.